In the context of his continuous policy to control the mining sector in Guinea, General Mamadi Dumboy, head of the ruling military council, decided to withdraw licenses of two local companies that are active in the field of mining, according to decree announced on national television.
The authorities did not provide any clarifications on the reasons that led them to take this decision.
The move comes one day after a matter issued by General Dumboya to withdraw licenses of all companies operating in mining that do not abide by the laws in force in the country.
Although an official list is not published by the names of the companies concerned, the advertisement reflects a trend towards strengthening the oversight of the mining sector.
In the context of strengthening control of natural resources, Dumboya, Minister of Mines, Bona Sila, directed a review of a proposal to prevent the export of crude gold, in line with the opening of a gold refining factory in the country.
These policies aim to enhance national sovereignty over the huge mineral wealth that the country abounds in.
Guinea is one of the richest countries in Africa with minerals such as bauxite, iron, gold and diamonds, but at the same time it is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Despite the abundance of resources, experts and NGOs condemn the existence of a great disparity in the distribution of returns, as local and foreign companies benefit greatly, while the economic and social conditions of citizens remain very difficult.
Some experts believe that this gap is due to the lack of local investments, and the weak basic infrastructure such as roads, as well as the outbreak of corruption in state institutions.
It is also criticized for the current legal framework, which does not provide sufficient protection for national resources or local economic interests.
